Eufloria HD is a real-time strategy (RTS) game created by indie developers Alex May, Rudolf Kremers and Brian Grainger, which puts you in charge of Euflorian seedlings that thrive on exploration and domination through colonization of surrounding asteroids. As you progress through the game, the mystery of the Greys, the enemy poisoning and infecting the universe, is revealed and it is your mission to find its origins and deal with them.

Gameplay

Eufloria HD is armed with a helpful tutorial which handholds you through the process of learning the game. Along the way, you will gain a deeper understanding of the mechanics and the strategy involved in fruitful colonization. Euflorians are an alien race of seedlings bent on expanding their presence by conquering the known universe, attacking adjacent asteroids. With each conquest, the Euflorians morph in battle characteristics, adopting the strength, energy and speed of their fallen foe's planet. Paying attention to this planetary pirate's booty is essential to gaining key power-ups required to overtake larger, more powerful asteroids. As you progress, the deceptively calm environs are destroyed as your opponents' seedlings become more ruthless and aggressive. Your rampaging warpath can quickly turn into rapid retreat. If you don't accurately size up your opponent and shore up your offense and defense in a timely manner, you can go from "Stormin' Norman" to "Cowering Karen" in a heartbeat.

Earlier on I noticed that progress is truncated when leaving the game unattended overnight. I would end up having to restart levels after having gone in for quite some time before being forced to leave to due circumstances. This happened on several occasions leaving me quite discouraged given the energy and effort I put into the game. However, the jury is still out and still under close observation because, as of late, game play is picked up from where I last left off when re-launching and re-entering the game. As of this writing, I'm no longer experiencing lost save games. Go figger...

Graphics

Eufloria HD's graphics are presented in a way that is both vibrantly stunning yet visually soothing. If a game can be considered a work of art, Eufloria HD could easily become its centerpiece. With minimalistic line-work and generously rendered swaths of dark pastels splashed across the screen, the game's fine brushstrokes exhibit an artistic verve in its presentation found nowhere else.

Graced with an intuitive user interface and neo-futuristic themed skin, the overall graphical presentation is sublimely original. The developers' keen attention to detail lends to such a unique perspective and is an exhibition of bold creativity.

Sound

For the good majority of iOS games on the market today, the inclusion of an ambient soundtrack purposefully fades into the background, serving as a dutiful complement to the visual fireworks displayed on-screen. However, in Eufloria HD, the soundtrack takes command of the stage, front and center. It is both soundtrack and sounds with rich, tonal quality that accentuates the alien environment experience. The soundtrack is expertly-crafted filled with lush, digitally-rendered thinking music inspiring creative "strategery" which will be called upon in ample use.

Conclusion

Despite my minor issue with the saves, this game is worthy of your money, energy and attention. Eufloria HD will capture your imagination and captivate you for hours.

Ratings (scale of 1 to 5):

Graphics: - 5 - "If a game can be considered a work of art, Eufloria HD could easily become its centerpiece."Sound: - 5 - "The soundtrack takes command of the stage, front and center. It is both soundtrack and sounds with rich, tonal quality that accentuates the alien environment experience."Controls: - 5 - Precise and intuitive.Gameplay: - 4.5 - A spotty save mechanic slightly tarnishes an otherwise brilliant game. But, don't let this minor niggle stop you. Buy. Now.Overall: - 4.875 - A wonderful RTS, chock full of art and action. This game is fast becoming an instant iOS gaming classic.

Playing Hints and Tips:

Study and note the battle characteristics of adjacent asteroids by first sending out a scout seedling to help formulate your plan of attack.